A child can ask a million questions.

by Rory C. Keel

We encourage children to ask questions because it indicates that a child wants to learn and fill his mind with knowledge. This is the way they develop the skills to reason and the ability to know about the world that surrounds them. To a parent though, there is one question that can grate on every last nerve. “Why?”

The question “why” can cause various reactions in adults, from a simple frown to a severe nervous tick, and sometimes bordering on the edge of insanity, especially when it’s repeated like bullets from a machine-gun, “Why is this…? Why does he…? Why did it…? Why? Why? Why?”

Why does this question aggravate parents? Because we feel obligated to answer every “why.” Yet we may not have the answer. Our mind is forced to think rapidly.

What does this have to do with writing?

Ask questions

Asking questions will bring out specific information that will bring your writing to life.

As you begin the research on your story idea ask the question, “What if…?” about every detail of your story and keep a list.

What if the (main character) is a male or female, alien or animal?

What if the sky is cloudy or clear?

What if it is hot or cold?

Write down every question and answer that comes to mind, even if it seems “off-the-wall” weird.

When you have run out of “What if…?” questions ask, “What is expected?” And in turn ask, “What is unexpected?”

These questions will beg you to answer them and force you to open your mind to endless possibilities to create and keep your story moving along.

Do you feel compelled to answer all the questions?